Mary Sue Coleman's legacy can be seen all around the University of Michigan campus, but Tuesday the Michigan Union made sure the school's 13th president took her place among the institution's past leaders on a wall commemorating their tenures.

Members of the Michigan Union Board of Representatives unveiled a bronze plaque and photo of Coleman, who steps down July 13, adding her portrait to the Presidents of the University of Michigan display in the Union.

“The union is all about tradition, legacy and celebrating the university,” Michigan Union Director Susan Pile said. “To add President Coleman’s photo and noting her accomplishments on our University of Michigan Presidents wall is right in line with celebrating her contributions and the legacy to the university.”

Former MUBR Chair Adam Kleven said honoring Coleman with a plaque at the union is fitting because of her impact on student experience outside the classroom.

“In my mind, what benefits students the most when going into the real world are the experiences they have outside the classroom,” Kleven said. “Experiences they have in buildings like the Michigan Union and I think that’s where [Coleman] has had the biggest impact for students.”

Kendall Johnson, outgoing vice president of Student Government for the School of Literature, Science and the Arts said the presidents’ wall has had a rich history since its original unveiling in 1994. Coleman’s portrait joins 12 others in lining the Union hallway.

“2014 is an especially significant year to be celebrating Mary Sue Coleman as we are in the year of the Union’s 110th anniversary,” Johnson said. “There is also great significance in adding a woman to the wall, especially a woman of integrity, responsibility, wisdom and determination. “

Coleman said the Michigan Union is a place that former students remember and often come back to and for that reason she is glad the iconic building will be preserved for years to come.

“Thank you all,” Coleman said. “It has been such a thrill. I’m going to miss the students the most. I say that to everybody because I am constantly inspired by you and I appreciate the work that central student government has done to make all this happen.”

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for The Ann Arbor News. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.